this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2024
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I've installed debian on an old laptop and am wondering if the 10 gig base system size can be slimmed down by deleting unneeded files.

I ran the commands to look for any runaway logs or other obviously large files and nothing popped out.

Is there a group of folders full of stuff I don't need or is this just the size of modern distros?

EDIT: I ended up doing a netinstall and got a 6ish gig system so I'm pretty happy with that. The netinstall image was able to detect my wifi card even though the debian live installer was not.

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[–] [email protected] 32 points 3 days ago (4 children)

Why not save time and do it the other way?

Install the minimal/netinstall image, and then add what you need.

You'll probably spend less time adding than trying to figure out what's installed that you do or don't need and trying to remove random packages without breaking anything.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago (3 children)

i have broken the install a few times just deleting stuff. The live disk won't find my wifi card so i can't net install unless I buy an ethernet adapter.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

If you have another USB drive, I think you should be able to load the wifi drivers from that when using the netinstall. I am pretty sure I remember doing that 15 years ago.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

That's a good idea. I can probably scrounge one up

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